Jannik Sinner explains why Madrid Open is a unique challenge

Jannik Sinner is looking to claim his fifth straight Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open this week.

The Italian’s latest came in Monte Carlo, where he took down Carlos Alcaraz in the final to clinch a fourth straight Masters title.

Sinner also moved back into the top spot in the ATP rankings, overtaking Alcaraz in the process.

Jannik Sinner discusses ‘unique conditions’ of the Madrid Open

The Madrid Open takes place at the Caja Mágica in Manzanares Park, San Fermín, where players face a different kind of challenge compared to other stops on the calendar.

While it’s not exactly high-altitude tennis, the courts sit over 500 metres above sea level, and that slight elevation does bring its own quirks.

It’s an environment Jannik Sinner recently described as ‘unique’.

“I think the tournament has some very unique conditions,” Sinner explained during an interview with the Madrid Open. “There’s the altitude, there can be wind at times… it’s not so easy to play.”

“But I think any clay court can help me.”

“I’m trying to improve as a player, and this tournament could be one of the most challenging. I’ve never played well here.

“We’ll see what I can do this year.”

Jannik Sinner shares thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic withdrawals

The Italian, who has four Grand Slam titles to his name, also shared his thoughts on the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic from this year’s Madrid Open.

Alcaraz suffered a wrist injury during the Barcelona Open, while Djokovic is recovering from a right shoulder issue.

“When they’re not in the draw, the situation is quite unique,” Jannik added.

“We’ve shared many tournaments, but if I want to play Carlos, it will only be in the final. The road to a final is very long, and anything can happen there.”

At the same time, I always take it one day at a time. I have many challenges ahead, starting with the first match against a qualifier who will already have a couple of matches under his belt here.

“I have to try to figure out how to play on this surface and in Madrid.”

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